November 04, 2008

Making things true-- another reason to vote for Obama

Or another reason to be glad if he wins.

When I was a kid my parents told me I could be anything I wanted to be. I guess parents all over the United States tell their kids that. The Hippiekid says he wants to be an architect and I tell him that is well within his reach. All he has to do is study hard, make good grades and work to his potential. I can't wait to have him design a house for me. And I know he can be anything he wants. Well, except President, since he was not born in the U.S.

I wonder how hard it has been for African American parents over the years to encourage their kids? How hard has it been to say these words? "You can be anything you want." I'm sure they did say it, with hope in their hearts that it was true. Yet, if you never see an example of it, you won't believe it. Children won't believe it, not deep in their hearts.

Barack Obama makes those words true. And yes, our country is right there helping him. Finally we have the chance to make those words true.

How can it be anything but good if another young black boy, or hundreds of them, or girls, feel that they can be President of the United States? This is a great thing. This is something that has the potential to change the makeup of our country. This can change attitudes and bring people together.

If young black men feel that they can achieve greatness and be recognized for that, how empowering could that be? How much more likely to stay in school and get an education and stay away from crime? If you know, and have a concrete example, that your aspirations can be reached, how encouraging might that be?

I am hopeful. I am proud. I can imagine a generation of children growing up with hope in their hearts and confidence in their abilities.